There are a few snorkeling tours in the Florida Keys that really impress me and give a wow, and going out with Horizon Divers from Key Largo is one of them. We’ve done many snorkeling trips all through the Keys and this is one of my favorites. While Horizon Divers is known for taking scuba divers out to shipwrecks and reefs, they also cater to snorkelers and free divers. Between the wildlife and the wreck sites we visited with Horizon, it left such a great impression on us.
I’m not a scuba diver; I am an avid free diver and snorkeler, so getting to enjoy a deep water experience in the Florida Keys was special for me. If you have any questions about going out with Horizon Divers from Key Largo or need recommendations for other water and wildlife activities in the Keys, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an amazing time in the Florida Keys.
Why Snorkel / Free-dive with Horizon Divers
I really enjoy free diving and most snorkeling tours aren’t structured or meant for this sort of underwater experience. Going out with Horizon Divers from Key Largo was great as the crew was familiar with free diving and snorkeling, not just scuba and not just surface snorkeling. We were allowed the freedom to safely free dive at the wreck sites and reef, while checking in with the onboard crew. It was nice to be welcome as a non-scuba diver and have an experience that befits our specific skills.
Of course the other wonderful thing about the diving tour with Horizon Divers was getting to visit really cool sites. There are several shipwrecks and a reef to visit, which make for a variety of experiences. While I always love a good reef dive or snorkel, getting to do two shipwreck sites was awesome. At one of the wrecks, I made it down about 40 feet and met up with a sea turtle resting on the bottom. He followed me back up to the surface and watched me for a few minutes. And this whole experience happened AT A SHIPWRECK! Wildlife in the Florida Keys is incredible.
Is Horizon Divers the Right Tour for you?
Going out with Horizon Divers from Key Largo is best for adults and very experienced older kids due to the complex sites you visit on the tours. Unless you’re on a dedicated snorkeling tour, the scuba divers get in the water first and have priority for getting ready due to their equipment and safety gear. If this doesn’t sound like the on-the-water experience you are interested if, this might not be the right tour for you. Doing a snorkeling trip at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park may be a better option for you. There are lots of wildlife tours in the Florida Keys, so be certain you’re choosing the one that suits your skill level and interests.
As far as the free diving or snorkeling experience with Horizon Divers, I loved it. They were very professional and great at managing all the participants, both scuba divers and snorkelers alike. If you are fine being independent for most of your time in the water, you’ll do great on this trip.
Gear for a Free-diving/Snorkel Tour from Key Largo
I travel with my own snorkel mask because I know what works well with my face. I love my frameless mask and it allows me to dive down without intense pressure on my nose or eyes. If you don’t have your own mask, that’s okay because Horizon Divers will supply you with one. You can also stop into their dive shop on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo to purchase one that’s right for you.
You’ll also want to bring along a towel, sunglass and reef-safe sunblock. Having a good reef-safe sunblock is very important as the chemicals in traditional sunblock have caused and continue to cause damage to the delicate coral reefs of the Florida Keys. There is reef-safe sunblock available onboard usually, but if you want to have your own to apply in advance, I would recommend it.
Parking for Horizon Divers Key Largo Trips
Departure for your tour with Horizon Divers DOES NOT go from the dive shop on the Overseas Highway. You may need to check in at the dive shop (you’ll get instructions when you book) but the actual departure happens from their dock on Garden Cove Drive (address below). Buzzards Roost Restaurant is at the start of this road, so if you’re a visual person, keep your eyes out for it and you’ll know that you’re in the right place. Once you’re at the relative boat launch area, you’ll see the dockside shop and restrooms, and there should be plenty of parking, but get to your tour a bit early just in case.
Horizon Divers Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience doing a trip out with Horizon Divers from Key Largo, here’s the operating information for your visit:
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Office phone number: 305-453-3535
- Company website: Horizon Divers
- Dive shop address: 105800 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Boat check-in address: 45 Garden Cove Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037
More Things to Do on Key Largo
I really enjoy spending time on Key Largo as there are great activities and lots of good restaurants. Being the first of the towns in the Florida Keys, this is the easiest key for people in Miami and South Florida to get to, so it’s a popular weekend destination. Every day of the week is great though, and it maintains its chill mode most of the time. Key Largo is a good place to launch into wildlife tours with several snorkeling and dive outfitters being based here.
Also, there are a few state parks on Key Largo, but the highlight really is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. From trails to kayaking to glass bottom boats and snorkel trips, this is the one-stop-shop for an awesome Key Largo experience.
Here are more options for activities on Key Largo.
Where to Stay on Key Largo
Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys and has boutique hotels, roadside motels, B&Bs and resorts. We’ve enjoyed staying in condo style resorts and well as luxe spots on Key Largo. Heck, the Holiday Inn Key Largo is actually our most frequented hotel in the Keys. Check out the map below for ideas for where to stay when you come to this wonderful island.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time out at the shipwrecks and reefs with Horizon Divers from Key Largo. The crew here is awesome and the snorkel sites are perfectly Florida Keys. If you have any questions about visiting Key Largo or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
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